"To ignore race dynamics in sport is just.."- Gabby Thomas weighs in ongoing 'white privilege' controversy after Caitlin Clark's Time Magazine honor

Gabby Thomas acknowledged the white privilege' remarks made by the WNBA star Caitlin Clark. The basketball player was recently awarded with the Athlete of The Year Award by the Time Magazine.

In an interview with the publication, Clark acknowledged the privilege she believes she has as a white person and highlighted that the success of the WNBA and basketball has been heavily shaped by black players.

"I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them," Clark said players eth.

Her remarks did not well with the former NCAA swimmer turned activist Riley Gaines, who received criticism from Thomas after taking a dig at the basketball player. When a fan questioned why athletes, especially Clark, are so frequently expected to address who competed before them, especially when it comes to the race.

"Honest question though Gabby in what other sport do we see athletes (especially the most popular one in the sport) CONTINUOUSLY having to “acknowledge” those that came before them? It’s tiresome and doesn’t happen except to CC."

Thomas responded to that statement and stated that the 2024 WNBA All-Star doesn't have to stay neutral or silent, but it is crucial to acknowledge the racial dynamics in sports.

"First of all she doesn’t “have” to do anything," Thomas wrote. The same way she doesn’t “have” to remain neutral. I didn’t say anything when she was neutral tbh, and I’m not going to criticize her now either, but to ignore race dynamics in sports is just….sigh."

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Gabby Thomas doesn't think Caitlin Clark should apologize for her remarks over 'white privilege' controversy

Gabby Thomas during the Business of Women Sports Summit in New York City. (Photo Getty Images)

Gabby Thomas doesn't think Caitlin Clark owes an apology for acknowledging any person of color who played a crucial role in taking basketball to new dynamics.

When a fan showed their support for the WNBA player stating she shouldn't have to make amends, Thomas voiced her agreement.

"Caitlin Clark shouldn’t need to apologize for being white," a fan wrote.

"Agreed," Thomas wrote. "Or should she apologize for acknowledging the poc who came before her and played a significant role in building the league?"

Born to Desmond Thomas and Jennifer Randall, Gabby Thomas belongs to an African-American ethnicity.